“Bears Gems.” That’s what the scientific name of the group, Gemmifera,  Brussels Sprouts belongs to means.

For many people, Brussels sprouts are something that we view as a form of culinary punishment from our childhoods.  “Now sit up straight, Bertina, and eat your Brussels sprouts or we’ll have to lace your corsets more tightly, there’s a dear.”    Eating “little trees” (broccoli) is fun for kids, but eating little balls?  Ick. It’s almost like a bait and switch for kids. Very few of us look forward to them as eagerly as we look forward to tangerines or even cherry tomatoes.  [...]